Duterte, Widodo to improve sea linkages, agri cooperation

The two leaders are expected to issue a joint declaration on the establishment of a roll-on roll-off network from Davao and General Santos in the southern Philippines to Bitung in the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi, the Palace said in a statement.

Widodo is in the Philippines for a state visit. He will also attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.

Manila and Jakarta are also expected to sign a memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation.

During their bilateral meeting later Friday, Duterte and Widodo are expected to follow up on their discussions during the Filipino leader's visit to Indonesia last September.

These include security concerns in the Sulu-Sulawesi seas, the war onillegal drugs, maritime cooperation, enhancing economic ties, and intensifying people-to-people exchanges.

“They are expected to continue discussions on these topics and exchange views on new areas of cooperation,” Malacanang said.